Ranolazine for chronic stable angina.
Ranolazine is a new and unique antianginal drug that has been approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris. The drug is administered as a sustained-release formulation. Although the drug's mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, current thinking is that ranolazine, a selective inhibitor of late sodium influx, attenuates the abnormalities of ventricular repolarisation and contractility associated with ischaemia. Three randomised trials have shown efficacy for ranolazine in increasing exercise testing or reducing anginal episodes or use of glyceryl trinitrate. Side-effects include dizziness, constipation, nausea, and the potential for prolongation of the QT(c) interval. Ranolazine seems to be a safe addition to current traditional drugs for chronic stable angina, especially in aggressive multidrug regimens.
Nash
David T
DT
Syracuse Preventive Cardiology, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA. Davidtnash@aol.com
Nash
Stephen D
SD
D000083:Acetanilides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004304:Dosage Forms; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069458:Ranolazine; D012737:Sex Factors
D000083:Acetanilides; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D000069458:Ranolazine